RIO DE JANEIRO, March 22 -- Flamengo's Portuguese head coach Jorge Jesus will return to his homeland to be close to his family during the global coronavirus outbreak.

The 65-year-old and several members of his backroom staff were due to fly to Lisbon on Monday, a week after the Rio de Janeiro and Brazilian football federations suspended their competitions to combat the virus.

"I was waiting for a decision from the board, studying and planning. But given the postponement of our activities I want to be with my family at this difficult time. The pandemic worries everyone."

Jesus tested negative for the coronavirus last week after an initial examination drew an inconclusive result.

He had been in quarantine for almost a week after Flamengo vice president Mauricio Gomes de Mattos was found to have contracted the virus.

Former Benfica and Sporting Lisbon manager Jesus joined Flamengo last June and led the club to the Brazilian Serie A-Copa Libertadores double in his first season.

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